Egri Minare (Crooked Minaret), the leaning 13th-century Seljuk minaret attached to the Ulu Cami mosque in central Aksaray city, is the most photographed single structure in Aksaray Province. The minaret leans noticeably to the northeast — a shift of several degrees from vertical caused by foundation subsidence over seven centuries — and has earned its name (Egri means 'crooked' in Turkish) since its construction. The brick shaft, rising approximately 27 metres from a stone base, is constructed from distinctive red-orange fired bricks that intensify dramatically under the warm tones of a setting sun. The strongest photographic opportunity comes in the final 45 minutes before sunset when low western light strikes the brick face head-on, deepening the terracotta tones to near-red while the sky transitions through orange and blue. The best camera positions are from street level on the western side of the minaret, or from the raised terrace of the adjacent park, which allows an unobstructed angle isolating the lean against the sky. A standard zoom (24–70mm) captures the full shaft including its conical cap; a telephoto (100–200mm) isolates the lean from a fixed pavement vantage point 80 metres to the west, compressing the perspective to emphasise the tilt. Winter brings a distinct character: low morning mist from the Aksaray plain can wrap the base of the minaret and the mosque courtyard, while winter blue hour (approximately 17:30) turns the brickwork to deep burgundy against a violet sky. The structure is within an active religious site; photographing during prayer times from within the mosque courtyard is discouraged out of respect. No admission fee is charged and street tripod use is generally tolerated.
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- Standard zoom (24-70mm), Telephoto to isolate the lean from across the street
Location
Minare Mah., Nevşehir Cd., 68100 Aksaray Merkez, Aksaray, Turkey
38.3769, 34.0294 View on map
Highlights
- Distinctive 13th-century Seljuk minaret with a visible northeast lean that catches side-light at steep angles
- Terracotta brickwork deepens to near-red under western sunset illumination in the final 45 minutes of daylight
- Tight telephoto from 80 m west compresses perspective to dramatically emphasise the tilt against the sky
- Winter mist and blue-hour violet sky at 17:30 create an atmospheric counterpoint to the warm brickwork
- Central Aksaray city location — no access hike needed and shooting from street level is comfortable
Tips for visiting
- Position 60–80 m to the west and use 100–200mm to compress the lean angle against an uncluttered sky
- Arrive 45 minutes before sunset; shoot continuously as the brickwork tones shift from amber through terracotta to red
- Avoid shooting from within the mosque courtyard during the five daily prayer times out of respect for worshippers
- Winter visits (December–February) offer blue-hour shots as early as 17:00–17:30 with low horizontal light
- A mild graduated ND filter holds sky detail while keeping the brick face well-exposed at sunset
- The tea houses on the western side offer seated vantage points with an unobstructed upper skyline
When to visit
Final 45 minutes before sunset year-round; winter mornings (08:30–10:00) for low mist and directional light on the brick face.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best position to photograph Egri Minare?
The most effective position is 60–100 metres to the west of the minaret using a telephoto lens of 100–200mm to isolate the lean against an uncluttered sky. The park terrace on the western side offers a slightly elevated angle.
Is there any entrance fee to see Egri Minare?
Access to the street exterior is free. The adjacent Ulu Cami mosque is a working religious site; entry to the mosque courtyard is permitted outside prayer times, and modest dress is required.
How pronounced is the lean?
The minaret deviates several degrees from vertical, clearly visible to the naked eye when standing directly in front. The lean is most apparent in photographs taken from the west, where the shaft tilts visibly away from the camera.
Can tripods be used in the street?
Street tripod use around Egri Minare is generally tolerated. Avoid blocking pavement traffic, particularly during morning market hours. The adjacent park terrace offers more space for tripod setup.
Is winter or summer better for photography?
Both seasons offer distinct qualities. Summer sunsets deliver vivid terracotta-red brick tones with long shooting windows. Winter is preferred for early blue-hour shots and atmospheric morning mist that partially engulfs the minaret base.